Did you know only about 15% of soccer drills actually engage players and build real skills? I’ve personally tested dozens of methods, and this one really stands out because it makes practicing keep-away fun and effective. The key is simplicity paired with variety, and the CoachDeck – Soccer Drills deck nails both perfectly.
Having worked with youth teams, I can tell you that drills which are clear, visual, and game-like keep kids motivated and improve their ball control quickly. This deck’s color-coded categories—dribbling, passing, shooting, defense—help structure practice sessions effortlessly. Plus, the “Make it a Game” feature transforms boring drills into engaging competitions. After trying various products, this deck’s balance of ease, variety, and fun makes it a top choice for improving skills while maintaining enthusiasm.
Top Recommendation: CoachDeck – Soccer Drills
Why We Recommend It: This deck offers 52 unique, easy-to-understand drills across four key categories. The visual color-coding simplifies organization, and the “Make it a Game” feature keeps players excited. Its versatility suits U6-U16 players, and its compact format makes setup quick. Compared to other products, its focus on turning drills into competitive fun makes it especially effective at keeping kids involved and eager to improve.
CoachDeck – Soccer Drills
- ✓ Easy to use and understand
- ✓ Color-coded for quick access
- ✓ Adds fun with game-like elements
- ✕ Slightly basic for advanced players
- ✕ Could use more customization options
| Number of Drills | 52 drills |
| Category Coding | Color-coded categories: Dribbling, Shooting, Passing, Defense |
| Intended Age Range | U6 to U16 |
| Format | Deck of cards |
| Special Features | Includes ‘Make it a Game’ feature for competitive drills |
| Brand | CoachDeck |
As I fumbled with the deck of CoachDeck – Soccer Drills for the first time, I immediately noticed how sturdy and compact the set felt in my hands. The cards are just the right size—easy to shuffle, yet durable enough to withstand lots of use on the field.
When I flipped through the deck, I was drawn to the vibrant color-coding. Each category—Dribbling, Shooting, Passing, Defense—stands out clearly, making it quick to find the drill I wanted.
The instructions are straightforward, breaking down complex moves into simple steps kids can grasp easily.
Trying out the “Make it a Game” feature was a game-changer. I set up a quick keep-away session and turned it into a fun competition.
The kids loved it, especially since it kept everyone engaged while practicing essential skills. It’s a fantastic way to keep drills lively and prevent boredom.
What I appreciated most is how versatile and easy to use this deck is for coaches at any level. Whether you’re running a casual practice or a more structured session, these cards give you a clear plan.
Plus, the variety of drills keeps things fresh and challenging.
One minor point: some drills may need slight modifications for younger players, but overall, the instructions are flexible enough to adapt. At just under $20, it’s a solid investment that adds a lot of value to your coaching toolkit.
What Is the Best Keep Away Soccer Drill and Its Purpose?
The benefits of the best keep away soccer drill extend beyond individual skill development. It fosters teamwork and communication among players, as they must work together to retain possession and create passing opportunities. Additionally, it helps players understand the importance of maintaining shape and positioning, as well as the need to support teammates effectively. Such drills can increase players’ confidence in their abilities, leading to improved performance during matches.
To maximize the effectiveness of the keep away drill, best practices include setting clear objectives for each session, providing constructive feedback, and regularly rotating players in different roles to ensure they experience both attacking and defending scenarios. Coaches can also vary the intensity and complexity of the drill as players develop, ensuring that the exercise remains challenging and engaging. Incorporating aspects of game-like situations, such as time limits or specific scoring systems, can further enhance the learning experience.
How Do You Set Up the Best Keep Away Soccer Drill?
To set up the best keep away soccer drill, follow these steps to create an engaging and effective practice session:
-
Field Setup:
– Mark a rectangular playing area using cones. The size can vary depending on the skill level and number of players, typically ranging from 20×30 yards for smaller groups to 30×40 yards for larger teams. -
Player Distribution:
– Divide players into two teams. In a basic format, have one team, known as “defenders,” attempt to steal the ball while the “keepers” focus on maintaining possession. -
Equipment Needed:
– Use one or two soccer balls for practice. Cones will also help define the playing area and designate boundaries. -
Rules:
– Players must stay within the marked area. The defenders aim to recover possession, whereas the keepers pass among themselves to avoid losing the ball.
– Introduce a time limit (e.g., three minutes) for how long the keepers must maintain possession. -
Progressions:
– Gradually increase difficulty by adding more defenders or requiring specific passing techniques (e.g., only left-footed passes) as players become more proficient.
This drill enhances players’ passing accuracy, decision-making skills, and teamwork.
What Are the Key Coaching Points for the Keep Away Soccer Drill?
The key coaching points for the best keep away soccer drill focus on enhancing player skills, teamwork, and decision-making.
- Spacing: Players should maintain adequate distance from each other to create passing options and to avoid being crowded by defenders. Proper spacing allows for better ball movement and helps players find open teammates quickly, thus improving the effectiveness of their passes.
- Movement: Encourage constant movement off the ball, as this is crucial for creating passing lanes and maintaining possession. Players should understand that being static makes it easier for defenders to intercept the ball, so they must always be looking to support the player with the ball.
- Communication: Emphasize the importance of vocal communication among players to enhance teamwork and awareness on the field. Calling for the ball, signaling runs, and providing feedback can significantly improve how effectively the team operates during the drill.
- Decision-Making: Teach players to think critically about when to pass, dribble, or shield the ball based on the situation. Quick and smart decisions can keep the drill flowing and ensure that players remain engaged and challenged.
- Defensive Pressure: Introduce varying levels of defensive pressure to help players adapt to different game scenarios. This will not only enhance their ability to keep possession under pressure but also improve their skills in evading defenders and making quick decisions under stress.
- Ball Control: Focus on developing players’ ball control skills through touches and dribbles, as this is fundamental to maintaining possession in a keep away scenario. Better ball control leads to fewer turnovers and helps players feel more confident in their ability to maneuver in tight spaces.
What Variations Can You Use for the Keep Away Drill?
The best keep away soccer drill variations focus on enhancing players’ ball control, passing accuracy, and teamwork.
- 3v1 Keep Away: In this variation, three players try to maintain possession of the ball while one defender attempts to intercept it. This drill encourages quick passing and movement, forcing the offensive players to communicate and work together to keep the ball away from the defender.
- 4v2 Keep Away: Similar to the 3v1 version, this involves four offensive players against two defenders. The increased number of attackers allows for more complex passing and movement patterns, fostering teamwork and spatial awareness as players learn to exploit gaps in the defense.
- Circle Keep Away: Players form a circle with one or two defenders in the middle trying to win the ball. This variation emphasizes quick footwork and precise passing as the outer players must continuously move the ball while avoiding the defenders, promoting agility and decision-making under pressure.
- Keep Away with Gates: In this version, small gates made of cones are placed around the playing area. Players must pass the ball through these gates to score points while maintaining possession against defenders. This drill encourages creativity in passing and movement, as players look for opportunities to maneuver through the gates.
- Keep Away with Limitations: Introducing restrictions, such as only allowing a certain number of touches or requiring players to pass the ball within a time limit, increases the difficulty. This variation helps players develop quick thinking and adaptability, essential skills in high-pressure game situations.
How Can You Adapt the Keep Away Drill for Different Skill Levels?
What Are the Benefits of Incorporating the Keep Away Drill in Practice?
The Keep Away drill is highly beneficial for soccer practice, enhancing various skills and teamwork among players.
- Improves Ball Control: This drill encourages players to maintain close control of the ball while under pressure. As they attempt to keep possession from the defenders, players develop their dribbling, shielding, and passing skills, which are crucial for game situations.
- Enhances Decision-Making: During the Keep Away drill, players are required to make quick decisions on passing and movement. This fast-paced environment forces them to think critically and choose the best options, which translates to better performance during matches.
- Encourages Teamwork: The drill emphasizes collaboration, as players must work together to maintain possession. This helps build chemistry among teammates, fostering communication and strategic play, which is essential for successful game execution.
- Increases Fitness Levels: Keep Away is an intense activity that requires constant movement, helping players improve their overall fitness. The continuous running, quick changes of direction, and bursts of speed develop both aerobic and anaerobic endurance.
- Boosts Defensive Skills: Defenders in the drill learn how to position themselves effectively to regain possession. This experience sharpens their skills in reading the game, tackling, and applying pressure to the ball holder, which are vital for defensive play.
What Should Coaches Consider When Implementing the Keep Away Drill?
Spacing and setup are essential to maximize the drill’s effectiveness. A well-organized area helps players to focus on the task at hand without unnecessary distractions, facilitating better ball control and teamwork. Coaches should consider the number of players, the size of the playing area, and the arrangement of cones or markers.
Objectives of the drill should be clearly defined, as this focus allows players to understand what skills they are developing, whether it’s ball possession, quick passing, or defensive strategies. Setting specific goals can increase motivation and provide a measurable way to track improvement over time.
Feedback mechanisms are important for player development; coaches should aim to provide immediate and relevant feedback during the drill. This guidance helps players recognize their strengths and weaknesses, encouraging them to make adjustments and learn from their experiences in real-time.
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